Cascara sagrada is Spanish for “sacred bark” and was used for centuries by Native Americans as a laxative and it may also help to relieve constipation. It is also used in some sunscreens and as a flavouring agent.

Cascara became accepted in western medical practice in the 19th century and is still used in over-the-counter laxative preparations, often in combination with other herbals such as Aloe Vera.

The active laxative components in cascara are anthraquinone derivatives and their glucosides, referred to as cascarosides.

They appear to act locally as an irritant to the colon promoting peristalsis and stool evacuation.

Cascara is also used as a treatment for gallstones, liver ailments, and cancer. Some people use it as a “bitter tonic.”

In foods and beverages, a bitterness extract of cascara is sometimes used as a flavouring agent.

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